Who's saying what?

In today’s competitive market, a company’s image depends on its communication. A website, document, proposal or announcement that is accurate and well-structured adds greatly to the credibility and professionalism of your business. Most of us get only one chance to make an impression (just look at the case of Susan Boyle on Britain's got Talent last week to see how the right delivery can change everything! If this is news to you, check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY which has received 33-million hits around the world in the past week.)

At the start of election week, it is pertinent to take a look at the effectiveness of the recent communications of the political parties. The ANC is regarded as having by far the best election campaign, underpinned by a huge outdoor advertising campaign and a string of dynamic personal appearances. Helen Zille has impressed many by embracing high-tech media to reach her voters - actively tweeting on Twitter, and pulling no punches in her weekly online newsletter. COPE has run some bold outdoor advertising on the country's highways and byways, in an effort to maintain the momentum of their high-profile launch in December and establish themselves as a credible political force.

We are all witnessing the effects of the global economic slowdown, and falling demand and lower budgets across the board are making competition for business that much tougher. In these times, effective communication with your customers is critical. Internal communications are also even more crucial, with employees having to perform better with less. The two critical ingredients of high performance - motivation and morale - are both aided by good communication.